''I love gay men. They're the only ones that I can trust... I would love to be a gay icon, but I've got a lot of hard work to do first.... My gay friends don't treat me any differently - they're just normal and great spirits to be around. And you can be naked in front of them.''

Emerging pop star Alexandra Burke, who won Simon Cowell's UK competition show, ''X Factor'' last year. The somewhat husky-voiced singer has 3 British singles so far ''Hallelujah,'' ''Bad Boys,'' and ''Overcome'' and appeared with her hero Beyonce on the show. (Contact Music)